Gianforte removes ACLU from MT criminal justice council, gives spot to conservative org
LEWIS AND CLARK COUNTY, MONTANA, JUL 24 – Gov. Gianforte replaced the ACLU representative with Jessica Flint from Alliance Defending Freedom, shifting the council’s civil rights advocacy seat to a conservative legal group.
- On July 18, Gov. Greg Gianforte replaced ACLU of Montana representative Henry Seaton on the Criminal Justice Oversight Council with Jessica Flint of the Office of Public Instruction.
- Established by the Montana Legislature in 2017, the 16-member CJOC includes a civil rights advocate seat designated by law and filled by the ACLU since 2019, now replaced by ADF's Jessica Flint.
- Concerned about civil rights expertise, the Montana civil rights organization’s spokesperson said 'ADF lacks experience in defending incarcerated people's rights,' as Gianforte's office emphasized the law's discretion.
- On the CJOC website Wednesday, social justice advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers protest the appointment, as Seaton remained listed while Flint was absent.
- Despite the change, the seat may have limited influence, as Seaton said ADF does not bring expertise in defending incarcerated people's rights and the council reviews legislative data.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Montana Free Press
Williston HeraldGianforte replaces ACLU lobbyist on criminal justice council with rep from conservative group
A version of this story first appeared in Capitolized, a weekly newsletter featuring expert reporting, analysis and insight from the editors and reporters of Montana Free Press. Want to see Capitolized in your inbox every Thursday? Sign up here. ACLU of Montana lobbyist Henry Seaton received an email at 9:35 a.m. on July 18 informing him of the end of his term on the Montana Criminal Justice Oversight Council. “The Governor has appointed Jessica…
Missoulian
The Livingston EnterpriseGroups protest appointment of religious freedom advocate to MT criminal justice panel
The governor's office called the move hypocrisy, contending the authors of the letter were discriminating against a Christian organization.
ABC FOX Montana
Christian legal organization gains spot on state criminal justice council
A Christian legal organization will now have a seat on the council overseeing the state’s criminal justice system, after Gov. Greg Gianforte appointed Alliance Defending Freedom’s Jessica Flint to the state’s Criminal Justice Oversight Council. The Montana Legislature created the…
The Billings Gazette
Gianforte removes ACLU from MT criminal justice council, gives spot to conservative org
Gov. Gianforte says the Alliance Defending Freedom representative brings a "fresh perspective" to the council tasked with monitoring laws that impact the state's complicated criminal justice system.
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